The National Science Foundation (NSF) is aligning with the Trump administration's priorities by cutting hundreds of grants aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in STEM fields. The NSF stated that its focus on narrowing research impacts to specific subgroups is no longer consistent with its mission. As a result, over 400 DEI-related grants totaling significant funding have been terminated. Critics argue that these cuts will weaken scientific innovation and reflect undesirable political influence in research funding decisions, raising concerns about the future of scientific inquiry in America.
"Research projects with more narrow impact limited to subgroups of people based on protected class or characteristics do not effectuate NSF priorities," the agency's director, Sethuraman Panchanathan, wrote.
NSF stated that it will not support research aimed at combating 'misinformation,' 'disinformation,' and 'malinformation,' as it would "unconstitutionally abridge the free speech of any American citizen."
The Department of Government Efficiency announced that NSF canceled 402 'wasteful DEI grants' that led to $233 million in savings, as part of aligning with new priorities.
Democrats and research advocates argue that cutting grants threatens the spirit of competition and innovation, highlighting the risks of political interference in scientific research.
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